Harley-Davidson Riding Academy New Rider Course

The Motor Company’s version of the MSF

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After successfully training more than 350,000 new riders over 14 years, Harley-Davidson has rebranded its Rider’s Edge training course with a new name and a new motorcycle as of May 2014.

The Harley-Davidson Riding Academy will use the same customized version of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF)-approved rider training experience it has used since 2000 when the program was launched guiding students from the classroom to the street with an emphasis on building confidence.

The Harley-Davidson Riding Academy New Rider Course
provides nearly everything students need to take the first step on their
motorcycle riding journey, including Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF)-certified instructors, use of a
motorcycle to learn on and a minimum of 20 hours of combined classroom
and range training with a guaranteed 6-to-1 student/instructor ratio.
All students need to bring to class is appropriate riding gear.

The Harley-Davidson Street 500 replaces the Buell Blast previously used in Harley's rider training. "We're taking rider training to a new level by incorporating a Harley-Davidson motorcycle that students will want to keep long after class is over," said Angela Thundercloud, Harley-Davidson Rider Training Manager.

Additional features developed specifically for use in the Harley Davidson Riding Academy include an industry-first Power Limit Calibration that puts a ceiling on the vehicle’s low-gear speeds, allowing only the maximum rate a student needs in the course, and a unique Vehicle Protection Kit that dispells student fears of damaging the vehicle in a tip-over.

“Instilling confidence is vital to preparing new riders to move from the classroom to the open road,” Thundercloud said. “We designed everything—the experience, the curriculum and the equipment—to inspire that needed confidence and empower new students to have a ton of fun learning to ride on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.”

The Harley-Davidson Street 500 motorcycles that are used in the Riding Academy are outfitted with "crash bars" and grip extenders that protect the motorcycle should it tip over.

In many states, completion of a Harley-Davidson Riding Academy course can exempt riders from needing to take an additional road test before becoming licensed, and many insurance providers offer discounts to graduates.

In addition to changes in the United States, where more than 180 Harley-Davidson dealers offer training courses, Harley-Davidson Riding Academy is expanding globally into Mexico, China and South Africa.

FAQS

What does the course cost and how long does it last?

Price of the Riding Academy New Rider Course varies by dealership, but expect to pay between $275 and $350 for the multi-day program. The course is approximately 25 hours long and is taught over three or four days depending on the location.

What requirements does one need prior to taking the course?

You will need a valid automobile driver’s license and the ability to ride a bicycle, which means that you can balance on two wheels.

What kind of gear is needed?

- A long-sleeve shirt or jacket

- Jeans, chaps or leather pants

- Over the ankle, sturdy footwear

- Full-fingered gloves

- A helmet that meets DOT requirements

- Eyewear

How is the Riding Academy New Rider Course different than the MSF Basic Rider Course?

Harley-Davidson adds information to its program that introduces students to the Harley-Davidson brand. The course also uses a Harley-Davidson Street 500 motorcycle as its training bike. Non-Harley MSF facilities use a metric beginner motorcycle like a Honda Rebel, or Suzuki TU250.

Reader Comments

I just took this course. I have to say I was very disappointed with the amount of time spent with us. It was not 20 to 25 hours! The reason I took this Harley-Davidson course was because it was more hours than the MSF course. Wrong! They only spent 14 hours teaching us and that was with class time included. The riding was only about 8 hours at the most during the 3 days! One hour of that was spent on the riding test.

I needed more time to adjust to the Harley-Davidson Street 500. I asked if I could ride around a little more to get warmed up and was told that is not how they do it. I don't feel I was taught. I was told what they wanted me to do then I had to do it.

The Harley-Davidson dealership where I took the class was two hours from home so I stayed overnight two nights. I could have saved a lot of travel time and money by taking the course from the MSF with a smaller bike and more training.

Kat Kelly
Crossville, TN
Thursday, May 11, 2017

Editor Response

That is disappointing to hear, Kat. I hope you expressed your concerns with the dealership. The only way to make the program better is to provide feedback to the program manager. There's a good chance they aren't aware that your instructors were short-changing students. And, if they value your future business, they will offer you another class at a discount or no cost at all.

Good luck.Tricia Szulewski, Assistant Editor

I took the Harley-Davidson riders course and was very unhappy with the course. What I wish I would have done is rent a small bike and practice with someone who knows how to ride. Starting out on a Harley Street 500 is too much for us small women as specified in there workbook. You need a bike that you can manage and feel comfortable with. Don't waste your money as I did!

Judy Bauer
Woodstock, GA
Tuesday, November 17, 2015

I took this course at the Harley-Davidson in Munster, Indiana, in July on the new500. It's October now and I purchased a 2004 1200 Sportster and have ridden more than 500 miles. One day I did 330 miles. I have found the freedom they speak of. Love it and encourage anyone who wants to learn how to ride to do it. This is a great experience. Go ahead. Knock it off your bucket list!

Wendy Cusick
Highland, IN
Sunday, October 5, 2014

Is there any place like this near me I can learn to ride?

Lee Ann Dupuis
Sarnia, ON, Canada
Friday, October 3, 2014

Editor Response

Check with your local Harley-Davidson dealer. The folks there can answer that question for you. Genevieve Schmitt, Editor

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